Just Label It News Roundup 7-20

Monsanto’s genetically modified maize, MON89034, caused kidney disease and bladder stones in rats in industry tests performed in 2007. But the EU’s GMO regulator ignored human health warnings for the insecticidal corn. Scientists analyzed data from more than 100 experiments detailed in 23 studies and found that even “safe” levels of pesticides still hamper bees’ memory and ability to learn. Crop characteristics associated with organic wheat production reduce seed pests, a new study found. Ireland needs to take a “firm stance” against the cultivation of crops containing GMOs to protect its “green” reputation, a farm body leader has warned. Secret documents disclosed in a court case expose Monsanto’s war on cancer scientists. Last week, Monsanto merged with Bayer and the Monsanto name will be dropped because of the company’s toxic reputation. But Bayer’s corporate record is even worse. New study findings suggest that women who are trying to conceive should eat organic food. Several studies have linked pesticides with the development of Parkinson’s disease, and now a new study has found a specific gene that may explain why some people are particularly susceptible to developing Parkinson’s after exposure to certain pesticides. And for the second time in five years, a Canadian salmon aquaculture firm has admitted in a New Brunswick courtroom to illegally using a pesticide that kills lobsters to treat salmon off an island that abuts the Maine border.

Small mammals can provide agricultural benefits by eating weed seeds or they can act as pests by eating crop grains. A new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology sought to tease apart the effect of organic and conventional farming on these benefits and challenges caused by small mammals.

DeWayne Johnson, a 46-year-old father dying of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, became the first person to face Monsanto in trial this week over allegations the company hid evidence about the cancer-causing dangers of its Roundup weedkiller. Johnson is the first of some 4,000 people suing Monsanto in state and federal courts claiming their cancers were caused by glyphosate-based Roundup. The litigation, and documents coming to light because of it, are shining light on the heavy-handed tactics Monsanto (now a subsidiary of Bayer) has used to deny cancer risk and protect the chemical that is the lynchpin of its profits.

How a chemical and pharmaceutical giant with an appalling record of corporate crimes became a key player in the development, commercialization, and sale of GM crops. Today Monsanto merges into Bayer and the Monsanto name will be dropped because of the company’s toxic reputation. But if anything, Bayer’s corporate record is even worse.

Several studies have linked pesticides with the development of Parkinson’s disease, and now a new study has found a specific gene that may explain why some people are particularly susceptible to developing Parkinson’s after exposure to certain pesticides.

For the second time in five years, a Canadian salmon aquaculture firm has admitted in a New Brunswick courtroom to illegally using a pesticide known to kill lobsters for treating salmon off an island that abuts the Maine border.